Qualcomm announces Snapdragon 430 and 617 processors

Qualcomm has announced the addition of two new mid-range processors to their mobile CPU lineup — the Snapdragon 430 and the Snapdragon 617.

The Snapdragon 430 comes equipped with new modems, enabling X6 LTE, with Cat 4 downlink speeds of up to 150 Mbps and support of 2x10 MHz Carrier Aggregation, and Cat 5 uplink speed of up to 75 Mbps via support for 64-QAM. This is a first for processors in its price range. In addition, the 430 supports dual camera configurations and sensors up to 21MP. Using the new Qualcomm Adreno 505 GPU brings support for Open GL ES3.1, Android Extension Pack, and OpenCL 2.0.

The Snapdragon 617 takes things a step higher. For faster LTE data, the Snapdragon 617 integrates the X8 LTE modem, featuring support for Cat 7 download speeds of up to 300 Mbps and upload speeds of up to 100 Mbps using bi-directional 2x20 MHz carrier aggregation. It also features the same software and camera architecture as the 620 and 618 at a lower price point.

Devices using the Snapdragon 430 are expected to be available in Q2 2016, and the Snapdragon 617 is expected to be available in consumer devices before the end of 2015. The full press release follows.

Qualcomm Announces Addition of Two New Processors to Snapdragon Mid-Range Lineup

-The Snapdragon 430 and 617 processors will push the envelope in high and mid-tier 4G LTE mobile devices with carrier aggregation and enhanced uplink connectivity -

HONG KONG, Sept. 14, 2015 /PRNewswire/ -- Qualcomm Incorporated (NASDAQ: QCOM) today announced that its subsidiary, Qualcomm Technologies, Inc., has introduced two new Qualcomm® Snapdragon™ processors. The new chipsets, the Snapdragon 430 and the Snapdragon 617, offer advances in both multimedia and connectivity for mid-range mobile devices.

The Snapdragon 430 features X6 LTE, with Cat 4 downlink speeds of up to 150 Mbps and support of 2x10 MHz Carrier Aggregation, and Cat 5 uplink speed of up to 75 Mbps via support for 64-QAM – a first in this tier. The Snapdragon 430 supports excellent image quality for dual camera configurations and sensors up to 21MP. The Snapdragon 430 uses the powerful new Qualcomm® Adreno™ 505 GPU with features such as Open GL ES3.1, Android Extension Pack, and OpenCL 2.0. Incorporating features that were previously limited to the high tier, the Snapdragon 617 improves on both the connectivity and capabilities of the Snapdragon 430. To meet the global demand for faster LTE data rates, the Snapdragon 617 integrates the X8 LTE modem, featuring support for Cat 7 download speeds of up to 300 Mbps and upload speeds of up to 100 Mbps using bi-directional 2x20 MHz carrier aggregation. It also shares the same software advances, dual-ISP and camera architecture of the Snapdragon 620 and 618. In addition, the same software package runs the Snapdragon 617, 618 and 620, enabling OEMs to deliver these products quickly and efficiently. For optimal RF performance, the Snapdragon 617 and 430 pair with WTR 2965, the new cost-optimized RF transceiver for global carrier aggregation.

Both the Snapdragon 617 and 430 use the power efficient ARM® Cortex™ A53 CPUs in octa-core configurations. Both also include support for Qualcomm® Quick Charge™ 3.0, the next generation of fast-charging technology. Each uses the high performance, low power Qualcomm® Hexagon™ DSP, supporting low power sensor and advanced audio. Snapdragon 430 and Snapdragon 617 will fast track the regional certification process with support for the Qualcomm® Global Pass certification program.

"As smartphones and tablets continue to spread to all corners of the globe, we recognize that users are becoming more discerning in what they want," said Alex Katouzian, senior vice president, product management, Qualcomm Technologies, Inc. "The introduction of these new processors is a clear indication that we are listening to the needs of our customers who want ever improving cameras, faster connectivity, and better battery life across all available price points."

Commercial devices featuring the Snapdragon 430 are expected to be available in Q2 2016, and the Snapdragon 617 is expected to be in commercial devices before the end of 2015.

About Qualcomm Incorporated

Qualcomm Incorporated (NASDAQ: QCOM) is a world leader in 3G, 4G and next-generation wireless technologies. Qualcomm Incorporated includes Qualcomm's licensing business, QTL, and the vast majority of its patent portfolio. Qualcomm Technologies, Inc., a wholly-owned subsidiary of Qualcomm Incorporated, operates, along with its subsidiaries, substantially all of Qualcomm's engineering, research and development functions, and substantially all of its products and services businesses, including its semiconductor business, QCT. For more than 25 years, Qualcomm ideas and inventions have driven the evolution of digital communications, linking people everywhere more closely to information, entertainment and each other. For more information, visit Qualcomm's website, OnQ blog, Twitter and Facebook pages.

Qualcomm, Snapdragon, Adreno and Hexagon are trademarks of Qualcomm Incorporated, registered in the United States and other countries. Quick Charge is a trademark of Qualcomm Incorporated. Qualcomm Snapdragon, Qualcomm Adreno, Qualcomm Quick Charge and Qualcomm Hexagon are products of Qualcomm Technologies, Inc. Qualcomm Global Pass is a solution of Qualcomm Technologies, Inc.